WHO WE ARE

We are everyday, garden-variety Christians. We represent all age groupings, numerous religious traditions and a variety of nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. We share a desire to praise and worship God, as we strive to hear God’s voice and be used in advancing God’s realm of love, righteousness, justice, mercy and peace. Our theology is rooted in the Bible and we believe in a Triune God, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

We are members of the Presbyterian Church (USA), a branch of the reformed Protestant tradition. We are governed by our Session consisting of twelve active elders. Twenty-four deacons serve as the compassionate arm of Jesus Christ in the church and community. Both of these groups are elected by the members of the church.

First Presbyterian Church of San Leandro was organized in 1866. The present sanctuary was built in 1926, adding the youth center and educational wing in 1953 and 1955 respectively.

CHURCH STAFF

Rev. George Swanson, D.Min., Pastor

Rev. Anne Swanson, D.Min., Pastor of Christian Ed.

Rev. Donald I. MacInnes, D. Min., Parish Associate

Richard Dinwiddie, Director of Music

Mollie Wakeman, Youth Bell Choir Director

Brandon Mills, Youth Director

Mary Mackie, Organist

Amie Tavares, Administrative Manager

Helen Fortner, Assistant to the Administrative Manager

Jim Vollmer, Custodian

A CARING COMMUNITY

Our pastors are available to you. Also our Deacons and Pastoral Care Committee are eager to meet the needs of members and visitors. We have a prayer group who would welcome your prayer requests. Please feel free to call the church office. We are a serving and caring community.

Nowhere should you feel more welcome and at home than here at the First Presbyterian Church of San Leandro. No matter where you are on your journey of faith, YOU are welcome.

We believe that the journey of faith is one that is meaningful, creative, exhilarating and filled with joy. Whether you are just starting your relationship with God or have been growing in faith for some time, you will find our church a warm, friendly, challenging environment. When the journey gets bumpy, when the stress of everyday life or unexpected crisis shakes your faith, you will find here the love, support, encouragement and peace that can be found in God’s family.

SUNDAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

9:30 SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE

Each Sunday we gather together as a Family of Faith to worship God. On the first Sunday of each month we celebrate Holy Communion. Child care is available for infants and toddlers. Children ages 3 through grade 3 may leave worship during the second hymn and go to a special learning program.

10:30 FELLOWSHIP TIME

Immediately following worship we gather for fellowship over a cup of coffee, tea or punch in the Fellowship Hall. This is a nice time to meet new folks and to catch up on the activities of old friends.

11:00 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CLASSES

FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN

Classes are available for all ages during the school year. Time is spent learning about our faith, who God is, who we are and what God would like us to become. Biblical truths are clarified and practical applications are explored.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR OUR VISITORS

Every church has a different way of worshipping God. Even Christian churches vary in when and how they do things. The following might explain some of the items found in our worship bulletin.

THE PRELUDE (Music at the beginning) is a time when people can silently prepare themselves for worship.

THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION is where we acknowledge before God and others that we fall short of what God would have us do and who God would have us be.

THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON reminds us that even though we fall short, God wants us to be free from sin and guilt and is eager for us to accept his forgiveness.

THE GLORIA PATRI is an old traditional Christian hymn of praise. We praise God for who God is and what God does for us. It is found on Page 579 in the Hymnal.

GOD’S WORD is found in the scriptures -- the Bible. The sermon explains and applies what is read from the Bible.

THE DOXOLOGY is often sung before or after the offering is taken, thanking God for all God has provided for us. This hymn is also used as a blessing before a meal. The words can be found on page 592 of the Hymnal.

THE LORD’S PRAYER is the prayer Jesus taught the disciples. It is found in Matthew 5:9-13 (page 1504 in the Pew Bible). This church uses the “debts-debtors” version.

THE BENEDICTION is a blessing, usually taken from the Bible, reminding everyone that God is true to his promise to always be with us.

THE POSTLUDE is a concluding musical movement played at the end of the worship service. The Prelude and the Postlude are similar to a beautiful frame around a picture.

If you have any questions about how or why we worship the way we do, please feel free to ask one of the pastors.